Carri Lynne Pratt
The Words of Jesus regarding The End: Part One
Today's Reading: Matthew 24:3-20
"As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3
"As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3
The words of Jesus about the end times are very powerful. They provide full credibility to the book of Revelation and insight to the reader. As you read today's passage imagine Jesus speaking directly to you. This message is for you. (Consider listening to this scripture @ Biblegateway.com)
We are going to take a couple of days to look directly at what Jesus had to say to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion and resurrection. This was an urgent message He wanted to share before He returned to God.
Things Jesus wants His followers to know:
- Watch out! Do not be deceived by others claiming to be Messiah.
"And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray."
Matthew 24:4-5
- Do not be alarmed by wars/rumors of wars, this is the beginning.
"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." Matthew 24:6-8
- Christians will be persecuted for their faith in Jesus.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake." Matthew 24:9
- Many Christians will fall away because of the persecution.
"Then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another."
Matthew 24:10
- The love of many will grow cold.
"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold."
Matthew 24:12
- The Gospel will be preached in all the world, then the end will come.
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Matt 24:14
- Satan will stand in the temple (We looked at this in Daniel's 70 Wks)
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." Matt 24:15
It is truly amazing how all of Scripture works together as a testimony of God's plan. Jesus is giving an urgent message but He is also quoting the prophecy God gave to Daniel as well as verifying what John will write in the future in the book of Revelation. To God be the Glory!
Reflection: Meditate on the fact that Jesus wants you to know this urgent message. How will it change the way I live?
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